This piece originally appeared on Monster.
As a denizen of the tech industry, you know that the number of potential areas of specialization can be dizzying. From programming languages to software frameworks and beyond, where you choose to focus your expertise can have a significant impact on your career options (not to mention your salary). And while it’s no secret that a developer talent shortage has made coders a hot hire, that still doesn’t help you when it comes to determining your personal specialty—or picking up a new one.
Fortunately, we’ve got the down low on which particular skills employers are looking for in their new hires. Using data from CEB TalentNeuron, we identified the tech skills currently in highest demand from employers who have job postings on Monster, providing a unique window into which skills make for a must-have tech applicant. So whether you’re a grizzled veteran or just starting out, we’ve got the insights you need to help suss out your next great gig.
1. Structured query language (SQL)
Jobs requiring skill: 2,409
Companies hiring: Google, Dassault Systemes, Macropace Technologies
2. Java
Jobs requiring skill: 2,375
Companies hiring: UnitedHealth Group, Solidus, Insight Global
3. Linux
Jobs requiring skill: 2,113
Companies hiring: State Farm, Kaztronix, Thomson Reuters
Jobs requiring skill: 1,742
Companies hiring: Array Information Technology, Cognizant, Amazon
5. Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
Jobs requiring skill: 1,652
Companies hiring: NTT Data, Tech Mahindra, CenturyLink
6. Microsoft SQL Server (MS SQL)
Jobs requiring skill: 1,544
Companies hiring: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, AT&T, Live Nation
Jobs requiring skill: 1,425
Companies hiring: Ciber, Real Soft, TransCore
Jobs requiring skill: 1,390
Companies hiring: Harbortouch, ClearOne, Apple
9. UNIX
Jobs requiring skill: 1,310
Companies hiring: Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, Northeastern University
Jobs requiring skill: 1,198
